Cockachon vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison

Both Cockachon and American Molossus are originated from United States. Cockachon may grow 27 cm / 10 inches shorter than American Molossus. Cockachon may weigh 39 kg / 85 pounds lesser than American Molossus. Both Cockachon and American Molossus has almost same life span. Both Cockachon and American Molossus has almost same litter size. Cockachon requires Low maintenance. But American Molossus requires Moderate maintenance

History

cockachon - historyThe Cockachon is not a pure bred dog but rather a cross between the Cocker Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. Very little if anything is known about who initially developed the Cockachon. It is known that the International Designer Canine Association (IDCA)registered and recognized the hybrid in 2009.

It is obviously a relatively new cross breed. The hybrid is also recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR) and the Designer Dog Kennel Club (DDKC).

Based on the massive dog of Mesopotamia in 5000 BC, the American Molossus is the same dog recreated in the United States by and for the lovers of these giant dogs. The ancient Molossus was fierce to look at, massive in size, courageous and loyal. He was undaunted by any animal and stood up to any man attempting to hurt his master. When Rome fell the descendants of today’s Molossus were scattered and attempts to revive the breed have created carious large dogs. The American Molossus is the first true recreation that hits the mark.

The original Molossus was one of the most primitive of dogs, one of the earliest dogs that men domesticated. Their initials duties were the guarding of herds and homes against all enemies. They were incredibly loyal to their one master and stayed with him and protected him. These dogs also ate carrion and served the villages by eliminating animal carcasses. They could handle any other hunting animals such as wolves and large cats. This dog, although extinct was the ancestor of all the Mastiff-type dogs of today. The Molossus is said to be the ancestor of the St. Bernard, English Mastiff, Greater Swiss Mountain Dog, Bernese Mountain Dog, Newfoundland, Great Dane, Great Pyrenees, Rottweiler, Rottweiler and the Neapolitan Mastiff. Now these breeds have become the ancestry of the American Molossus.

According to Marcus Curtis, the founder of the new Molossus, the nearest relative of the American Molossus is the Neapolitan Mastiff. The Hines Bulldog, German Rottweiler, American Bandogge, and South African Boerboel together with the Neapolitan Mastiff were used to form the American Molossus. The goal of the founder was to make a great family pet and protector. It was specifically bred to be courageous, loyal and protective.

Description

cockachon puppy - descriptionThe Cockachon is a cute, little dog very popular in current times. He is small, compact, dark eyes, a round head and black nose. He has a baby face and fluffy hair. It has a furry tail and a blunt muzzle.

The Cockachon is a mix between the American Cocker Spaniel and the Bichon Frise. In order to get a better idea of what the hybrid can look like just look at the individual parents. The American Cocker Spaniel is a small dog with a short muzzle and domed head. It is in the Sporting Group, but it is the smallest member of the group. He has a compact, sturdy body and though domed his head is refined.

The Cocker’s stance includes a sloping topline, muscular hindquarters and strong shorter legs adds up to a balanced canine. The coat can be in a wide variety of colors including liver, golden, black, and red. Also, it could be liver and tan, black and tan, roan or tricolors. So, while the Bichon Frise is always white the Cockachon can be any of these colors including white. The types of coats that the Cocker Spaniel and the Bichon Frise have are very different as well.

The Bichon Frise is also a small dog, actually smaller than the American Cocker. The Cockachon usually ends up being about the size of the Bichon at 5-10 kg in weight and 23-30 cm in height. The skull of the Bichon Frise is round rather than domed and the muzzle is also rounded. The tail is long and curly while the Cocker would usually have a cropped tail. The nose and eyes of the Bichon Frise are black and its hair is dense and curly. Unlike the Cocker Spaniel it barely sheds.

Many Cockachon have floppy ears, curly coats and come in any variety of colors though many, many are white.

This is a giant, massive dog in every way and this recently developed standard makes that very clear. The Molossus should be heavy bones, muscular with a lot of loose skin and wrinkles of all kinds, everywhere. He is an intimidating presence, with a massive square head, broad shoulders, height and mass. No, the American Molossus is not athletic, but he certainly is intimidating.

His head is massive in comparison to his body and it must be square. He has extensive wrinkles and pendulous lips and dewlap. The face is all folds of skin and wrinkles. Deep set eyes, drooping upper lids and lower lids as well as an intimidating expression. His brow is well developed with a marked frontal furrow. The nose is large, and the muzzle is about a third of the length of its head. It is short and broad. Everything about the head must be square. It’s neck and body are powerful and muscular. The chest is deep, wide and barrel like. The back is also powerful and muscular. The front legs are heavy and muscular while the hind legs are broad, strong, powerful and wide-stance. Do not remove the front dew claws. His tail is thick and wide then gradually tapers at the tip.

Characteristics

cockachon dog - characteristicsPeople created the Cockachon to get a small, lap or carry dog that had certain characteristics. These characteristics included a very social, loving dog. He is active and friendly, sweet and gentle. He is loyal, and loves being loved. He is great with other dogs and you can trust him with your children. He is a little independent but very loyal.

Like many little dogs he can have serious separation anxiety. Crate training is recommended so that he has a place to feel safe when you are not with him.

The American Molossus is an intimidating massive giant bred for protection and guard duty. He is incredibly loyal to his family and courageous in his protection of them. They are guard dogs, not attack dogs. Their simple appearance is usually enough to frighten off anyone intending harm on their families. He is in reality a loving giant. He is intelligent and stable with a strong desire to please his owner. He is a calm yet vigilant presence in the home.

Because the Molossus is so large, it is recommended that the puppy be socialized and trained professionally. It takes a strong owner to handle this breed. They need to know the rules and have the rules consistently applied. The owner must be the pack leader.

Health Problems

cockachon puppies - health problemsHybrid dogs seldom have a lot of inherited diseases as they seem to jump a generation but if they do, it can be either a combination of both breeds issues or issues from just one of the breeds in the cross. For the Cockachon these issues include:

Luxating Patella

This loose kneecap issue is common to many small dogs and can cause lameness if not addressed.

  • Eye & Ear Problems

Eyelid problems such as the ones that might bother a Cockachon can be found in many small dogs. These include Entropion and Ectropion.

Like all Mastiffs the American Molossus faces a variety of potential illnesses, some brought on by its size, some not.

Spondylosis

This could easily be a function of its massive size. It is a degenerative disease and can cause the dog to become lame. In many cases the vertebrae can fuse, or severe pain can result. This is mostly seen in older members of the breed.

Cystinuria

Male Molossus can contract this inherited metabolic disease primarily. It can be life threatening and very serious as it affects the kidney and the bladder.

Wobblers Syndrome

This is essentially Cervical Vertebral Instability (CVI) and is caused by the pressure of the nerves in the neck and cervical spinal cord. This compression can cause deformity, pain and abnormal stance/gait. IT has been attributed to the nutrition needs and rapid growth of the Mastiff breeds.

Like all giant Mastiff breeds the Molossus can have skin issues from the wrinkles, dysplasia in the joints which we will address below.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

cockachon dogs - caringDon’t overfeed a Cockachon. Give him ¾ -1.5 cups of dry food of high quality in two meals per day.

Health issues

In addition to the issues listed above, the Cockachon is also prone to heart disease and cardiac issues.

Exercise and games

The Cockachon has a lot of energy for its size. Make sure it gets plenty of exercise. If walks are the exercise of your choice make sure you walk him for 30 minutes a day. He loves to play, and a back yard would be nice. These little guys do well in obedience but are usually to small for agility.

Feeding

Remembering that this is a very, very large dog you need to be careful about nutrition and how fast your puppy will grow. American Molossus puppies need four meals a day until 12 weeks old. Then until they are 6 months old feed then 3 times a day. Finally, from 6-month-old puppy to adult – feed them twice in 24 hours.

At one year either feed them once or two small meals.

Many people feed their Molossus eggs, vegetables, fruit, and cottage cheese as ten 5 of the total for the day but avoid other table foods. The Molossus can become very picky about what he eats if you feed him too many table scraps.

Health issues

In addition to the health problems listed above, the American Molossus is also susceptible to: Ditichiasis – Eyelashes that are in the margin of the eyelids and can cause eye irritation. May require surgery to correct.

Cataract

Could cause blindness if not removed. Ectropian/Entropion: Eversion and inversion of eyelids which cause ocular irritation.

PRA or Progressive Retinal Atrophy

This is a degenerative disease which causes the dog to go blind. It is a disease the affects the retinal visual cells, first causing night blindness then day blindness. A DNA test is available for detecting PRA in all Mastiff breeds.

Dysplasia of the Elbow or/and the Hip

Common in large breeds and especially in giant breeds like the Molossus. Multiple forms and causes but all can cause pain and lameness.

Skin issues

Do to wrinkles and loose skin – check often for moisture and infections.

Panosteitis or Wandering Lameness

The is a problem based on a variety of possible causes. It happens when the puppy is between 6-16 months of age. Lameness occurs over time in one limb or in all. It can be intermittent and might be caused by diet, genetics, stress, autoimmune or metabolic issues or infection.

HOD or Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy

This issue is developmental as the dog’s toes turn either inward or outward, then as the condition advances the dog suffers fever, pain in all joints, lethargy and the inability to stand. This happens when the dog consumes too many calories for his activity level in the development times.

Exercise and games

The American Molossus is not a couch potato. He needs to be walked at least twice a day and loves to play fetch. He will be greatly benefited by obedience training. Do not overdo it with exercise but make sure they don’t just lay around.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Molosser dogs
Origin:
United States
United States
Height Male:
25 - 39 cm
9 - 16 inches
56 - 66 cm
22 - 26 inches
Height Female:
23 - 36 cm
9 - 15 inches
51 - 60 cm
20 - 24 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 9 kg
11 - 20 pounds
38 - 48 kg
83 - 106 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 9 kg
11 - 20 pounds
32 - 43 kg
70 - 95 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 6
6 - 8
Size:
Toy dog
Giant dog
Other Names:
Bichon Spaniel, Cock-a-Chon, Bichon Frise-American Cocker Spaniel Mix
American Molosser • American Brabanter • American Bullenbeisser
Colors Available:
chocolate & tan, black, black & tan, buff, red, sable and cream. , chocolate
Colors are black, black brindle with some white
Coat:
curly, dense
coat type coarse, dense, smooth and long
Shedding:
Minimal, Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Social, Sweet
Alert, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Territorial
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
Yes
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Morkie vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  2. Havanese vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  3. Pekingese vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  4. English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  5. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  6. Russian Toy Terrier vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  7. Franzuskaya Bolonka vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  8. Phalene vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  9. Cockachon vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  10. Cockachon vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  11. Cockachon vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  12. Cockachon vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  13. Cockachon vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  14. Cockachon vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  15. Cockachon vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  16. Cockachon vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  17. Cockachon vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  18. Cockachon vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  19. Cockachon vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  20. Cockachon vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  21. Shih Tzu vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Silky Terrier vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  23. Snorkie vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  24. Toy Bulldog vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  25. Toy Mi-Ki vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  26. English Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  27. Neapolitan Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  28. American Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  29. Gaddi Kutta vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  30. Nebolish Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  31. Cao de Gado Transmontano vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  32. Broholmer vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  33. Great Dane vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  34. Bernese Mountain Dog vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  35. Newfoundland Dog vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  36. Anatolian Shepherd vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  37. Leonberger vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  38. Alaunt vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  39. Bully Kutta vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  40. Irish Wolfhound vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  41. Alangu Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  42. Francais Blanc et Orange vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  43. Mountain Burmese vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  44. Billy vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  45. Pyrenean Mastiff vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison
  46. Bisben vs American Molossus - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds